The Cross River State Government has dismantled 50 illegal revenue points across the state.
This action followed a monitoring and inspection exercise led by Mr. Bassey Ita Edet, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Tolls Collection, in the northern part of the state.
Unauthorized individuals allegedly used these illegal revenue points to extort money from commuters. Edet emphasized that the crackdown on these illegal checkpoints and tolls is part of Governor Bassey Otu’s “People’s First” initiative.
“We are determined to end the menace of illegal checkpoints and tolls,” Edet told journalists. “Our mandate is to enforce, inspect, and monitor all approved checkpoints and toll collections to ensure compliance and due process.”
Edet also warned those hindering the government’s efforts to stop the illegal collection of taxes, rates, and assessments. “We will not tolerate any further illegal activities. Our goal is to create an enabling environment for commercial road users,” he said.
Further findings revealed that vehicles carrying goods were forced to pay N27,000, with non-compliance resulting in the impounding of the vehicles. Victims of this road harassment claimed that touts used military personnel to enforce the extortions.
Etom Daniel, a driver who frequently travels the Cross River North routes, expressed his frustration. “This is one of the major reasons for the increase in the cost of food items and farm produce in Cross River State,” he said. “Some people who don’t understand public administration are tarnishing the governor’s name. I believe the governor may not be aware of all these harassment, wickedness, and extortions.”
